New York Road Runners expands free community running program to Long Island

The Island Now
Open Run at Valley Stream State Park on Aug. 11.(Photo courtesy of New York Road Runners)

New York Road Runners Open Run currently serves neighborhood parks across New York City’s five boroughs and Jersey City and will launch their 20th location this weekend at Valley Stream State Park

Participants at New York Road Runners Open Run at Valley Stream State Park. (Photo courtesy of New York Road Runners)

Open Run is a community-based initiative that brings free weekly runs and walks to local neighborhood parks with the goal of welcoming community members of all ages, backgrounds and fitness abilities. Parks selected as New York Road Runners Open Run sites are led by community volunteers and are chosen based on several criteria, most importantly the demand for programming by local community members.

On Sunday, Aug. 11, New York Road Runners (NYRR) expanded its free, weekly Open Run program to Valley Stream State Park. The 5K walks/runs will be held every Sunday throughout the year.

The launch of NYRR Open Run at Valley Stream State Park marks the 20th location for the program, and the second park outside of New York City’s five boroughs.

The year-round, free runs are made possible with the support of the local Valley Stream running community and local community leaders. With the help of a grant sponsored by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Open Run participants will have the state park parking fee waived.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen at Valley Stream State Park’s first New York Road Runners Open Run. (Photo courtesy of New York Road Runners)

Submitted by New York Road Runners. 

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